Chicago Heights, IL: 6 Violations — 70/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Based on current monitoring, Chicago Heights holds an above-average drinking water safety record for IL — violations are infrequent and typically minor when they do appear.
How Chicago Heights Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Chicago Heights Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 6 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0059 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.18.
Water Systems Serving Chicago Heights
Multiple utilities divide Chicago Heights, IL's water service — 3 leading providers among 7 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Chicago Heights, Illinois (population ~52,395), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 100,864 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Chicago Heights: B (70/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Chicago Heights water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0059 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 3 | 2 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60411 | C | 3 | 0 | Chicago Heights |
| 60412 | B | 3 | 0 | Chicago Heights |
All ZIP Codes in Chicago Heights
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Chicago Heights
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Key Contaminants Detected in Chicago Heights
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Chicago Heights: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Because property values in Chicago Heights comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Chicago Heights are relatively low compared to home values. The $400–$1,700 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 19% below the Illinois average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Chicago Heights
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Chicago Heights appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Chicago Heights
201 FEMA flood insurance claims are on file for Chicago Heights, and 50% of local ZIP codes fall within federally designated flood zones — enough to put flood exposure on the planning radar, though short of the concentrated-risk threshold where treatment-system vulnerability becomes a primary consideration.
Chicago Heights has a moderate flood history with 201 FEMA claims averaging $2,100 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,000</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Chicago Heights, IL